Langport Runners Safeguarding Children Policy image001.gif

 

 

Langport Runners acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and the Association of Running Clubs (ARC) and England Athletics requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children:

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Langport Runners in a safe and child centred environment .All under 18s details will be recorded and an emergency contact number for parents/guardians be available at all times for all sessions in event of an emergency. Parents and Guardians will remain with their child until adequate coaching presence (defined as below) is confirmed at each session.
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating at Langport Runners whilst running or on the club premises. Children will not be left alone on the premises and more than one adult will be present at all times.

Langport Runners acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

Langport Runners will:

  • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Every session involving under 18s will be led by a qualified coach with a current cleared DBS certificate and coaching licence with a minimum of Assistant Coach qualification and further assistance by a person holding a minimum of Run Leader qualification. If two coaches are unavailable the session is to be cancelled.
  • ARC recognises that in some circumstances two experienced adult runners (defined as competent as per ARC guidelines) can accompany a child if there is no coach available but this is not considered good or safe practice by Langport Runners Committee and is not permitted. Any adult wishing to volunteer to run with the juniors on a regular basis must hold a current DBS certificate which is free of charge and arranged by the Assistant Coach and/or Welfare Officer via ARC.
  • ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people. The Coach and welfare officer will hold a copy of all valid DBS certificates and all coaches will have received safeguarding training as part of their coaching course. Coaches will adhere to ARC guidelines and Codes of Conduct.
  • ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern following Somerset Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines on the advice of the welfare officer.
  • ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
  • prevent the recruitment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation and shared with club members.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Langport Runners. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  • changes in legislation and/or government guidance
  • as required by the Somerset Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and Langport Runners.
  • as a result of any other significant change or event.

(Last reviewed September 2017 Melanie Munday)

 

 

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE POLICY

 

 image002.jpg